GP 100 vs 686 class

[The_Shootist]

Would you consider the Ruger to be slightly more compact than the Smith....more comparable to a K Frame S&W than the L frame 686?

I have a 686+ that I pack sometimes during the winter, but it can be a bit big for CCW year round. I have an SP 101 and was thinking of adding a GP 100 to my collection.

 

[JohnKSa]

I think they're almost identical in size and weight.

 

[ted murphy]

GP100's use the same speedloaders as the K frame and they are similar in size, though I do believe the rugers weigh a skosh (not much though) more.
Ted

 

[gogetumnow]

GP100's use the same speedloaders as the K frame and they are similar in size, though I do believe the rugers weigh a skosh (not much though) more.

GP100's use the same speedloaders as the 586/686, not any K frame. The chambers are farther apart on the 686 and the GP100 than on the K frame. This is how Smith is also able to make the 686+ w/ 7 shots.

GP100's and 686's will however use the same speedloader.

 

[Brasso]

GP100's and 686's will however use the same speedloader.

Well, close enough anyway. They could be faster if they were in fact made to the same size, but it'll do.

 

[Jim March]

Ya, it turns out the GP100 cylinder bore dimensions are taken from a Colt. Cobra? Something like that. Anyways. HKS makes "exact fit" speedloaders, or the L-Frame six-shot loaders are so close most people don't care.

I would put the GP and 686-6shot as being right about the same class, same heft, same "functional role" guns right down the middle. The Ruger is tougher and is easier to work on or detail-strip by an amateur, esp. one in the field.

For example, if I was fishing in salt water on a rocky coastline or something and there was any chance of falling in, I'd take a GP100, basic screwdrivers and a rag sealed in a large ziplock bag with a small can of WD40. If completely drenched, I could have a GP100 totally apart, clean, dried, back together in less than half an hour. Good luck doing that with an S&W! Rough conditions, I'll bet on the Ruger any day of the week .

 

[9mmepiphany]

the colt python, ruger gp-100 and smith L-frame can share speedloaders, while the colt detective special, ruger security-six and smith K-frame can share the same speedloaders

 

[P. Plainsman]

A random note on one of the subjects of this thread:

I had the opportunity to handle a 686 and a 686+ recently, both new. Nice guns. However, the plain, six-shot 686 had a better trigger. The 686+ trigger was a little stiff, like my GP100's when I first got it. Some others have reported the same difference; here is another data point.

 

[TonyB]

Yeah,the k frame speedloaders work with the Sixes.....they do make one that is for the sixes and these fit better but are hard to find...the k frame one doesn't work too well with wad cutters,but will do fine with most ammo in my expierence....FWIW...

 

[JNewell]

IIRC, the -Six speedloaders are the same as those for the Colt MkIII/MkV/King Cobra series.